Tag Archives: Marilyn Manson

Click for a gallery of Marilyn Manson performing at War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. on July 9, 2013. (photo: Shelley Mays / The Tennessean)

By Jay Powell
The Tennessean

With a career adorned with excess, controversy and multiple lawsuits, Marilyn Manson is well-known -- even if sometimes for crazy rumors rather than his music.

On Tuesday night, the historic War Memorial Auditorium was transformed into a den of shock, horror and celebration of all things weird as Manson returned to Nashville after more than a decade.

“The last time I heard he was in Tennessee he ripped up the Bible, in ’99,” said Cecily Sullins of Murfreesboro, standing in line before the show.

“I’m sure it’s going to be crazy,” said Merlyn Bruce of Murfreesboro.

Thousands of Manson fanatics and Goth-rock contingents congregated in front of the War Memorial’s steps, suffering together as they waited patiently in the afternoon heat for the venue’s doors to open. Men dressed in pink dresses with faces distorted by smeared-on greasepaint clown makeup, and arms were covered with profane words stenciled on with markers.

For the local hard rock group Red, absolutely. During a recent afternoon spent at Nashville music venue 12th and Porter, the band mentions the shock-rock star — along with Sevendust, Korn and Linkin Park — as artists who influenced its dissonant, aggressive-yet-inspirational sound. The group also has toured with acts such as Godsmack and Drowning Pool, and done so with few qualms about their tourmates’ outlooks and lifestyles.

“For us, more than anything, it’s always been about the music,” bassist Randy Armstrong says. “It’s never really been about the content with the bands that we tour with. They’re guys out there onstage trying to make a living doing music, and it starts there. We respect each other right off the bat.”

That approach has helped make Red a rising hard rock name in the Christian and secular music worlds. Its first two albums — both nominated for Grammys for best rock or rap gospel album — have collectively sold more than a half million copies. Red is hoping to eclipse that success with its third album, Until We Have Faces, which hits stores on Tuesday (Feb. 1). But more than awards or sales, the band prides itself on finding success on its own terms.

“We grew up in Christian homes and going to Christian festivals,” Armstrong says. “We’re pretty much engulfed in (the) Christian market. Our hearts will always be there, but it’s no different for us to step onstage in a mainstream club than it is in a church. People are still going to see the same show.”Continue reading →